Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 8 – Cambodian President of the Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his intention to hold a video conference with Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council, to engage in discussions and idea exchange aimed at resolving the crisis in Myanmar.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Ambassador of Myanmar to Cambodia Kyaw Soe Min on Monday (Apr. 8) at the Senate.
To begin with, Samdech Techo congratulated Kyaw Soe Min on his appointment as Ambassador of Myanmar to Cambodia. Samdech Techo underlined that Kyaw Soe Min was the first diplomat he met after commencing as the President of the Cambodian Senate and as Acting Head of State. Samdech Techo expressed hope that Kyaw Soe Min would strive to leverage his new role to further enhance the relationship between the two countries, which share a long history of diplomatic ties.
Samdech Techo noted that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
Samdech Techo underlined that our two countries share commonalities in traditions, culture, and religion, particularly with regard to religious influence. In the upcoming days, our four nations along the Mekong River, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, will celebrate the New Year, also known as Sangkran.
In the past, we established Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) in Bagan, Myanmar, involving the participation of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, fostering significant cooperation. Therefore, it is imperative to bolster collaboration in these areas.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Samdech Techo previously expressed intentions to visit Myanmar, but was unable to do so due to health reasons.
Samdech Techo also alluded to Cambodia's hardships following the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent punitive measures by other nations. Comparing Cambodia's situation at that time with Myanmar's current state, Cambodia faced challenges even graver than those confronting Myanmar today. Furthermore, through Samdech Techo's win-win policy and under the leadership of the Cambodian People's Party, Cambodia has achieved national unity, peace, stability, and progress to date.
For his part, Ambassador Kyaw Soe Min expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo for graciously receiving him and his delegation. He extended congratulations to Samdech Techo and the Cambodian People's Party on the success of the recent Senate election, where Samdech Techo was elected President of the Senate. Additionally, he conveyed regards from the former Ambassador of Myanmar.
The ambassador expressed his delight at witnessing Cambodia’s progress under the leadership of Samdech Techo and the current Prime Minister Hun Manet, who have dedicated themselves to fostering peace, political stability, and prosperity in the country. He also underlined his satisfaction at serving as a diplomat in Cambodia during this period, given the enduring relationship between the two nations, particularly in shared cultural and religious traditions. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1955, both countries have strived to uphold this relationship and offer mutual assistance during challenging times, as well as being steadfast allies within the ASEAN community.
Regarding Cambodia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022, the ambassador commended Samdech Techo for his efforts, particularly in supporting and advocating for Myanmar's peaceful resolution during his working visit to the country.
During the COVID19 crisis, both Myanmar and Cambodia provided support to each other, with Samdech Techo and the Royal Government of Cambodia offering assistance to Myanmar, including essential medical supplies.
Kyaw Soe Min pledged to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation within the ASEAN framework and on regional and global platforms as Myanmar's ambassador.
At the same time, the ambassador also sought Samdech Techo's counsel on Myanmar's situation and updated him on the ongoing challenges, including terrorist insurgencies and external sanctions. Despite Myanmar's efforts to ensure peace and security, it faces difficulties exacerbated by outside aid to terrorist, drug trafficking, and human trafficking groups, leading to increased pressure from foreign countries.
Ambassador Kyaw Soe Min also highlighted the Myanmar government's commitment to implementing the five principles for fair and just elections, with 45 parties participating, and its efforts to maintain peace in order to restore democracy and normalcy.
Finally, Ambassador Kyaw Soe Min conveyed regards from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council, to Samdech Techo.
=FRESH NEWS
